§ 27. Mr. Roebuckasked the Minister of Labour what has been the response of the nationalised transport undertakings to his Parliamentary Secretary's letter drawing their attention to his policy on sex discrimination in sick pay schemes.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe British Railways Board has already replied noting the views expressed in the letter and informing me that they will be borne in mind in future discussions with the trade unions about the terms of sick pay arrangements.
§ Mr. RoebuckIs my hon. Friend aware that many on this side of the Chamber regard it as quite deplorable that this sort of discrimination should be practised by nationalised transport industries? Will she undertake to convey this sentiment to her right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport with a view to appropriate action being taken?
§ Mrs. WilliamsMy hon. Friend may like to know that in my letter I made clear those sentiments to the chairmen of the nationalised transport boards responsible, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has also been informed of this letter being sent. I would add that this is a matter that has to be negotiated between both sides. Although we have brought this to the attention of the boards recently, sickness pay negotiations date from as late as last year.